Do you own an Android phone and have a plan with Verizon? Well, although these Android phones contain their Mobile Hotspot app, it doesn't work. Try it, and you'll see that it doesn't work on any other tablet or computer with WiFi. To find an alternative to use for the solution, this article can give you details.

Steps

1

Recognize the type of connection you'll be able to make to connect the devices together. Some apps can connect the devices via Bluetooth and some via WiFi. There are even some that allow you to connect the phone via the USB cord that should have been included with the device. The transfer of data between two devices is called "tethering" and is the only way to effectively grab data from one device to another without just allowing the person to solely use your device (tethering is a way to "share" your connection, and thereby "share" your data stream!).

2

Open the Google Play Store app to search for applicable apps that will work. Search for "tether" in the Google Play Store app.

You can also search for PdaNet+ which has all the features of Mobile Hotspot, and is even the recommended app that Verizon will mention if and when the user requests to be able to use a similar app to the Mobile Hotspot app from their plan-based account.

3

Recognize how much money you are willing to spend. Although there are some apps that are free that work well, some free ones won't work too well and you'll have to spend money to connect the two devices together.

4

Recognize that with any form of tethering from your Android device to the connected-to device, you'll be using up data, and thereby (if you don't have an unlimited plan) using up your plan data portion for the month.

5

Open up the app you downloaded to your phone/device.

6

Set a WiFi network password so unknown users can't connect helter-skelter to your network and use up all your data without your knowledge.

7

Change the network name to something more personalized to your lifestyle. Don't try to include your phone number in any form in the network's name, but if you would like to mention that it's through your phone app, you can add the word "phone" in the network name description box.

8

Connect your device that needs an internet connection to your phone via the WiFi link, which is the way the Mobile Hotspot app would have asked you to connect.

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Tips

If you enjoy using the free version, even though it's not required, propose buying a key to unlock the full version that can give you a few other options with the "Unlock" button at the bottom of the app (and follow the remainder of the directions on screen).

Warnings

Closely monitor your data stream and remember to commonly disconnect from the wifi stream when it is not in use to prevent others from stealing your connection!

While the app PDAnet that Verizon asks you to download works well most of the time, sometimes the app has problems when it allows you to connect another device to the Android phone. PDANet also "screams" at you, when you exceed a certain amount of data transferred, and will ask you to install the (non-free) add-on, that will allow you to continue using the app and transferring to other devices wirelessly.